Get Your Craft On In Hendricks County

Do you like to craft, but don’t like to have the mess in your house? Or do you wish you could make fun, creative and sometimes even useful items, but don’t know where to start? Here’s a tip. Head to Hendricks County, just west of Indianapolis.

Last month, I was invited by the Hendricks County Convention & Visitors Bureau to bring some friends along for a day of exploring the county’s “Rural Routes to Main Street” tour. Two of the stops along the tour gave us a chance to get a little creative.

My friend Pam made "chicklet" earrings for herself.Gallery on the Square has a great space for craft classes.

Our first opportunity came at Gallery on the Square in Danville. This cooperative art gallery offers a variety of pieces for sale by local artists. There are paintings, copper works, jewelry, But what’s really fun is the offering of on-site classes.

Our group took a jewelry making class from artist Joan Kisner. The hardest part of making the earrings was deciding what beads and stones to use! You can also visit Gallery on the Square to take painting, pottery, ceramics and textile classes. Prices vary. Children’s craft classes are available for $10 per child. Gallery on the Square is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The second crafty stop we made while in Hendricks County was at Nomad Yarn Shop in Plainfield. I don’t knit or crochet, but I walked into this shop and just wanted to buy yarn. It was all so colorful and pretty! But we weren’t there to knit or crochet (thankfully because I think I would have ended up in knots). We were there to take a felted flower class.

Nomad Yarn Shop owner Erica showed us how to make felted flowers from strands of colored wool.

Our instructor was Nomad Yarn Shop owner Erica, whose passion for knitting and yarn led her to change career paths and return from England to her hometown of Plainfield and open the shop in July 2010. Erica promised us that there were no errors in making felted flowers, although I seemed to find a way to make a few mistakes.

But Erica was patient and the process of felting the brightly colored wool was enjoyable. The best part about making felted flowers is that no knitting or crochet experience is necessary. The finished product can be sewn onto a hat, coat, or bag or can be made into a decorative pin.

Nomad Yarn Shop also offers classes. Upcoming classes include Wet Felt Hat, Beginning Lace Mitts, My First Sweater and Beginning Knitting. Private lessons for up to two people are available for $15 per hour.

Nomad Yarn Shop is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Knitters and crocheters are welcome to come sit a while and work on their latest projects.

Just a small sampling of the yarns available at Nomad Yarn Shop.

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